A Snapshot of Tech for Corporate ESG Goals
ESG is on the agenda of most major corporate boards and many view technology as a tool to report and measure progress. This is especially true when considering sustainability, where technology can enable companies to achieve their goals, often diving into fields that have been overlooked in the past.
Corporate real estate is, for many organizations, an area with untapped potential for improvement. From design and construction to ongoing operations of new and existing facilities, technology can empower organizations and accelerate progress to reach ESG goals in many ways.
● Technology can provide insights to improve operational efficiency. For instance, we can find opportunities to adjust lighting and HVAC operations schedules based on data like typical building occupancy or outside temperatures.
● Technology can automate tasks and adapt in real-time real time. “Smart buildings” can reduce energy consumption by lowering utilities usage. As an example, we can leverage automated window shades to optimize natural light in winter and minimize solar gain in summer.
● Technology can identify trends and model the future. Machine learning can identify correlations between disparate events. This results in data-driven decisions that are constantly evolving, like optimizing when to start cooling or heating spaces based on employees’ arrival and departure times.
● Technology can measure our footprint. Using sensors and smart components, workplaces can quantify outcomes such as disposal of landfill waste vs. recycling, reduction of water bottles with the use of water fountains, and — perhaps one of the most critical factors of our carbon footprint — how, when and where power is consumed.
● Technology can inspire and accelerate our success through accountability. It’s critical that organizations see tangible progress towards sustainability goals and make everyone part of the journey. Technology can help get people involved — transparently sharing data with employees on how their specific sites perform and showing them how their seemingly small decisions are making a difference as they become part of a collective effort for change.
When we help clients design their future workspaces, we take these points into consideration. We work with various leaders and decision-makers to help them understand how intelligent workplaces, not only enhance the employee experience in the physical workplace, but can start a journey of continuous improvement towards sustainability.
The best approach is to help clients design their future workspaces, taking these points into consideration. Intelligent workplaces not only enhance the employee experience in the physical workplace, but can start a journey of continuous improvement towards sustainability.
This article was first published on Volume 1 of The Measure, an annual magazine by Metrikus.
